Gardener - Parks

Overview

This position is being re-advertised. Candidates who have previously submitted an application and were referred to the hiring manager are still being considered and do not need to reapply.

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences.

PRCR plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. A wide range of facilities and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails supports the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of the citizens. The Parks Department is committed to hiring all kinds of talent to build a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People.

As a Gardener for our Destination Parks, the ideal candidate has a passion for public service, is capable of excelling in all aspects of horticultural maintenance and is highly motivated, playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these landscapes. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. The primary role for this position is to provide horticultural and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks.

Destination Parks is composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden.

Dix Park is one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system and consists of 308 acres currently in the developmental phase. Dix Park consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the Flower Cottage, the Stone Houses and the Gipson Play Plaza, that is tentatively scheduled to open in the spring of 2025. Gipson Play Plaza will boast a very large and diverse landscape and is expected to be arboretum like quality.

Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina established in 1887, is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Sitting on more than 66 rolling acres Pullen Park is comprised of several historic and popular destination sites.

The Raleigh Rose Garden boasts over 1200 roses and 60 varieties including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques. It is a popular site for weddings, shares the property with the Raleigh Little Theatre and boasts an outdoor amphitheater.

John Chavis Memorial Park is located in the heart of downtown and consists of a new central plaza with an interactive splash pad, renovated former carousel house, and a large playground for variety of ages and abilities. The existing park amenities also include a historic Herschell carousel, baseball field, outdoor walking track with multipurpose field and 3 picnic shelters.

The position has a daily schedule of Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm; however, work hours are subject to change. This position will be required to work some weekends to lead and coordinate volunteer projects and may be required to respond after hours to inclement weather events and other unforeseen emergencies.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Pest and Disease Control:
  Monitor plants for pests and diseases and apply appropriate treatments to protect plant health.
• Coordinating the installation and maintenance of flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees.
• Researching and recommending plant species selection.
• Participation in the completion of traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal.
• Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence.
• Leading maintenance staff assigned to assist.
• Planning, coordinating and leading volunteer groups and events of various sizes on both a single session and recurring basis.
• Participating in emergency responses such as storm clean up and snow removal.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  
  This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor.

Six or more (6+) months of training beyond High School in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Grounds Maintenance, Pest Control or related field, and 1 to 3 years' experience in specialized turf maintenance, landscape design/maintenance, parks maintenance, arboriculture or related work

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

• Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization,…